My 'things to do" LA list

Like any big city, Los Angeles has something for everyone - especially if you are a fan of American film & TV.

You'd need weeks to get through the multitude of "must do" lists out there (I mean, it is the second largest city in the US after New York City). Having gone to LA a few times, I have managed to get more of an idea of what I personally think is worth seeing.

Sooo, here is my list of top things to see/do in LA. Especially if its your first trip and you have limited time.

( Note: I'm not going to lie, I'm sure with each visit back to LA, this list will get something new added to it or will be changed - and i may have forgotten something )

Venice Beach

It's weird and wonderful...it's trendy and tacky.... The beachfront is lined with an ecclectic collection of shops & restaurants ranging from weed shops to nice restaurants. Its a great place to people watch or rent a bike to take a ride around :)

Eat LA favourites

There are certain food/beverage chains that are wildly popular in Los Angeles... and you should try as many as you can (because a lot are only available in California and you are on holiday... so it's kinda guilt-free, right?).

If you are a fan of street art & graffiti, then you will enjoy finding some great art scattered around LA. There are specialised tours that can show you the best places or just cruise around downtown LA and see what you can find- HERE is just one list of some great street art you can go see in LA

I personally really wanted to find a pair of wings that are part of the Global Angel Wings Project (which started in LA) and get a photo, which I did. To read more about the project go HERE

The Natural History Museum

It's the largest natural and historical museum in Western United States - Its an educational & intersting place to spend a few hours - Plus it has dinosaur bones! (I mean, do you really need more of a reason than that?). You can visit the Website HERE

Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier is cool - theres a mini amusement park on it, a few food options, loads of people and sometimes street artists performing. It's also walking distance from Third Street Promenade, which is an outside shopping mall with nice places to eat and too much to buy.

The Last Bookstore

It's currently the largest, independent bookstore in the world... So - If you love books, vinyl and art, you must go visit it. Check out the website HERE

Go to a Friday night ball game

Whether you are a big sports fan or not, a night baseball game is a lot fun (I will be doing a full post on my experience soon). The Dodgers stadium is very impressive and at the end of a Friday night game, there are awesome fireworks. Put on some Dodgers blue and go....

Hollywood

Hollywood is very overrated (you have been warned). Most parts of it are not very pretty or glamorous at all and its usually super crowded - BUT I feel like you can't go to LA an not go look at the Chinese Theatre, take photos of stars on the Walk of Fame, try get a good view of the Hollywood sign and buy some cheesy Hollywood memento to give to your folks (you know you want to).

LACMA

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is a must-visit for anyone who likes art. Just be sure to book for some of the more popular, pay exhibits. Check out the website HERE

See LA from up high

LA is a big city and you don't realise just how big until you get to see it from up high. So, for two very cool ( both different) views of Los Angeles I'd suggest doing these two things:

1. Go have a drink at Perch restaurants top floor bar in Downtown LA at night
2. Go up to the Griffith observatory (added bonus is you can also see the Hollywood sign)

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comments

Ah man I wish I had read this before booking out trip - would definitely have spent more time in LA! So far have just seen Huntington Beach, Hollywood and Silverlakes but heading to Venice and Santa Monica this morning on our way out :) Thanks for a great post! X

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My name is Janine and I started this lifestyle blog in 2008. I'm a South African, who loves to travel and try new things. I haven't been everywhere yet, but its on my list. Home is currently Cape Town, SA.

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